"The North Face of Mount Temple is known as the Eiger of the Rockies. Despite being big and serious, particularly in winter conditions, it sits right above the gorgeous tourist town of Lake Louise. Climbing it, and backing on the face is somewhat surreal since you can see the lights of town down below. The creature comforts of town seem somehow very close and very far away all at once." -Josh Wharton, Patagonia ambassador

“I love the Red both for its beauty and its enormous climbing potential. Climbing there on a dry, sunny fall day is one of the most magical experiences a climber can have. It's world class.” –Emily Harrington, champion rock climber and North Face athlete

"There are very few places where you can climb on spectacular, crisp granite starting just inches above the frigid, dark waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean. Acadia National Park is home to many classic seaside routes as well as an impressive formation of pink granite that rises several pitches off the deck, providing an incredible view of the island, the ocean, and the lobster men hard at work." -Justin Gougeon

“Silver Mountain offers some of the longest, most challenging climbs in Upper Michigan. In the fall, the surrounding forest comes alive with colors to make a beautiful backdrop for this climbing area.” -Bill Thompson of Down Wind Sports

"Grand Teton National Park is arguably the most awe-inspiring alpine climbing destination in the lower forty-eight states.The area is known as the 'American Alps' for a reason. Go in the fall for cool weather and amazing photo ops when the Aspen trees turn bright yellow." -Angela Hiatt

“I grew up climbing in Rifle; it is a place that shaped my childhood and career. The climbing is complicated and requires serious problem solving skills. It's a beautiful place, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing and the canyon feels alive and vibrant.” –Emily Harrington, champion rock climber and North Face athlete

"From striking sandstone dessert towers to world class splitter crack climbing that you can almost drive to, Moab, Utah is truly a cornucopia of adventure and beauty. If you get bored around these parts, you're doing something wrong! -Justin Gougeon

“I really love the Pinnacle as it's right in Marquette and is the perfect spot to go for an early morning climb in the summer. It's usually cooler by the lake and as you climb, the sun comes rising out of Lake Superior... truly a spectacular sight.” -Bill Thompson of Down Wind SportsFor more info: mountainproject.com

Photo courtesy of Bill Thompson

9 of 12

Mount Temple, Banff National Park

Alberta, Canada

"The North Face of Mount Temple is known as the Eiger of the Rockies. Despite being big and serious, particularly in winter conditions, it sits right above the gorgeous tourist town of Lake Louise. Climbing it, and backing on the face is somewhat surreal since you can see the lights of town down below. The creature comforts of town seem somehow very close and very far away all at once." -Josh Wharton, Patagonia ambassador

“I'm convinced that the Lake Tahoe area is one of the best places in the country for outdoor playing, especially rock climbing. The weather is nearly always perfect and the granite climbing is phenomenal. It's one of the only places I've ever climbed in a sports bra when there's snow on the ground!” -Emily Harrington, a champion rock climber and North Face athlete

"No list of beautiful climbing destinations could be complete without paying homage to Yosemite National Park. It is a place of legends, and the views that once inspired John Muir to dedicate his life to the mountains will no doubt stir your imagination, if not your soul." -Angela Hiatt